Scope
Description
Colchester City Council (the Council) wishes to commission experienced Exhibition Design consultants to be part of this upcoming iconic project and to provide exhibition design services from RIBA stage 1 equivalent to RIBA stage 6/7 equivalent and detailed design for fit-out contractors. You will work with the wider design team, including Architectural Design consultants to coordinate and support the wider redevelopment of the museum which includes the enlargement of its physical footprint. Due to the nature of the project and the museum collections the practice will need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience of exhibition design for museums and for NLHF funded projects in particular.
The commission is for full service from RIBA stage 1 to RIBA Stage 6/7 equivalents and detailed design (including detailed cost plan) but will include a break clause at RIBA Stage 3 for submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Completion to detailed design will be contingent on the acquisition of round two funding.
The tentative key dates for the implementation of the project are set out in the programme here below:
•Appointment - September 2025
•RIBA Stage 2 equivalent - December 2025
•Pre-application - March 2026
•RIBA Stage 3 equivalent - April 2026
•Round 2 NLHF Application - May 2026
Break
• NLHF Round 2 Decision - September 2026
• RIBA Stages 4 - 6/7 equivalent - TBC with consultant, dependent upon successful NLHF application
Please be advised that the above schedule is indicative and shall be subject to change.
Further details of the requirements can be found in the accompanying documents.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £220,000 excluding VAT
- £264,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 April 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 6 months
Description of possible extension:
The initial requirements of RIBA 1-3 should be submitted by April 2026. If round 2 is approved, this will be confirmed with the successful supplier and an indicative time period will be September 2026 to March 2027, but this will be subject to change and any revised dates will be agreed with the successful supplier.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73220000 - Development consultancy services
- 79415200 - Design consultancy services
- 79956000 - Fair and exhibition organisation services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
18 August 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All bids to be submitted via https://www.delta-esourcing.com. The access code is 2G649GMRXA
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 September 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price | 50% |
| Adherence to the Specification & Technical Approach | Quality | 15% |
| Portfolio of Comparator Projects | Quality | 15% |
| Interview | Quality | 10% |
| Project Resources | Quality | 6% |
| Project Plan | Quality | 2% |
| Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction | Quality | 2% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Colchester City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCVM-1775-YNRP
Rowan House, 33 Sheepen Road
Colchester
CO3 3WG
United Kingdom
Region: UKH34 - Essex Haven Gateway
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government